Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher has challenged Government Chief Whip Deputy Joe Mc Hugh to a public debate on the recent post office closures plan.
The plan has led to the closure of seventeen post offices in Donegal alone and in total 159 nationwide.
Deputy Gallagher said the closures plan which went before cabinet and secured full cabinet backing, has caused untold damage to our local villages and communities.
Minister McHugh yesterday said the Government was prepared to work with local businesses who wanted to take over An Post offices in villages across Donegal.
In response, Deputy Gallagher said that statement by the Chief Whip on Post Offices is incredible to say the least and remarkable in content and accuracy.
He fumed “After numerous public meetings on Post Offices throughout the constituency at which Minister Mc Hugh failed to attend any of them – it certainly was a case of ‘no show Joe’ when it came to the general public. Meetings took place in Dunkineely, Burtonport, Bunbeg, Brinaleck, Gortahork and Dunfanaghy to mention but a few.”
Pat the Cope also claimed the statement is also inaccurate in that the deadline for submissions is not this week but is the end of October – that date was both confirmed by the Minister in the Dáil and An Post.
He added “Furthermore, An Post has confirmed to me that they have no knowledge of the contents or substance of the Deputy’s announcement and they have confirmed that no new process outside of the existing appeals mechanism exists.
“Therefore no new process was announced or no new commitments are given by anyone in relation to reopening of Post Offices other than the original appeals process. The sole purpose of the numerous public meetings throughout the county had Deputy Mc Hugh attended any of them was to work within the existing appeals me
